Methods and system with dynamic ECC voltage and frequency

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods are disclosed, including using a memory controller to monitor at least one parameter related to power level of a host processor of a host device, and dynamically adjusting at least one of a clock frequency and a voltage level of an error-correcting code (ECC) subsystem of the memory controller based on the at least one parameter to control power usage of the host device.

BACKGROUND

Memory devices are semiconductor circuits that provide electronicstorage of data for a host system (e.g., a computer or other electronicdevice). Memory devices may be volatile or non-volatile. Volatile memoryrequires power to maintain data, and includes devices such asrandom-access memory (RAM), static random-access memory (SRAM), dynamicrandom-access memory (DRAM), or synchronous dynamic random-access memory(SDRAM), among others. Non-volatile memory can retain stored data whennot powered, and includes devices such as flash memory, read-only memory(ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), erasableprogrammable ROM (EPROM), resistance variable memory, such as phasechange random access memory (PCRAM), resistive random-access memory(RRAM), or magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), among others.

Host systems typically include a host processor, a first amount of mainmemory (e.g., often volatile memory, such as DRAM) to support the hostprocessor, and one or more storage systems (e.g., often non-volatilememory, such as flash memory) that provide additional storage to retaindata in addition to or separate from the main memory.

A storage system, such as a solid-state drive (SSD), can include amemory controller and one or more memory devices, including a number ofdies or logical units (LUNs). In certain examples, each die can includea number of memory arrays and peripheral circuitry thereon, such as dielogic or a die processor. The memory controller can include interfacecircuitry configured to communicate with a host device (e.g., the hostprocessor or interface circuitry) through a communication interface(e.g., a bidirectional parallel or serial communication interface). Thememory controller can receive commands or operations from the hostsystem in association with memory operations or instructions, such asread or write operations to transfer data (e.g., user data andassociated integrity data, such as error data or address data, etc.)between the memory devices and the host device, erase operations toerase data from the memory devices, perform drive management operations(e.g., data migration, garbage collection, block retirement), etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numeralsmay describe similar components in different views. Like numerals havingdifferent letter suffixes may represent different instances of similarcomponents. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, butnot by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the presentdocument.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example host system including a host device and astorage system.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example method for dynamically adjusting errorcorrecting code (ECC) voltages and frequencies.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example of power usage by a host device based onbandwidth used for processing.

FIG. 3B illustrates an example of ECC usage by a host device based onbandwidth used for processing.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example schematic diagram of a 3D NANDarchitecture semiconductor memory array.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example block diagram of a memory module.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example block diagram of an information handlingsystem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Software (e.g., programs), instructions, operating systems (OS), andother data are typically stored on storage systems and accessed by mainmemory for use by a host processor. Main memory (e.g., RAM) is typicallyfaster, more expensive, and a different type of memory device (e.g.,volatile) than a majority of the memory devices of the storage system(e.g., non-volatile, such as an SSD, etc.). In addition to the mainmemory, host systems can include different levels of volatile memory,such as a group of static memory (e.g., a cache, often SRAM), oftenfaster than the main memory, in certain examples, configured to operateat speeds close to or exceeding the speed of the host processor, butwith lower density and higher cost. In other examples, more or lesslevels or quantities of main memory or static memory can be used,depending on desired host system performance and cost.

Flash memory devices, such as SSD, typically include one or more groupsof one-transistor, floating gate memory cells. Two common types of flashmemory array architectures include NAND and NOR architectures. Thefloating gate memory cells of the memory array are typically arranged ina matrix.

Mobile host device systems have limited power resources based on currentbattery sizes and available materials. These mobile systems use lessbandwidth during certain operations but must support burst performancewhen needed. To prevent excessive power loss, certain systems can beadjusted to account for performance demands. The present subject matterprovides for dynamically adjusting error correcting code (ECC) voltagesand frequencies based on host system power level, power demands, errorrates, media wear and environmental conditions, to regulate power loss.Advantages include avoiding excessive power loss and providingsufficient peak power on demand, especially for mobile and internet ofthings (IoT) applications.

ECC logic has evolved with increasing error correction strength, gatecount and power demands to match increasing burst bandwidth needs, andthus has experienced an increased power usage. ECC subsystems, such aslow parity density check (LPDC) systems, can have variable code rates asa function of parity size. In addition, processors can use dynamicvoltage and frequency scaling, but the present subject matter providesfor using monitoring of a storage subsystem behavior to dynamicallyadjust voltage and frequency for ECC subsystems. The system or firmwarein the storage subsystem monitors the host system's bandwidth or demandto determine ECC throughput in addition to throughput needed from othersubsystems such as: central processing unit (CPU); internal bus; orMRAM, in various embodiments. The system also monitors the bit errorrate and health, amount of wear of the media (NAND, for example), and/ortemperature or other environmental conditions. Based on the monitoredmetrics (and other scaling factors), the present subject matterdynamically adjusts the clock frequency and voltage levels of the ECClogic and associated subsystems.

In various embodiments, the present subject matter determines hostsystem power and bandwidth needs and uses various monitored metrics asinputs to determine at what level ECC voltages and frequencies should beadjusted to regulate power loss. The monitored metrics can include anumber of lanes uses, host serializer/deserializer (serdes) speed,measured queue depth, total data in flight, a running estimate of datause over time, a counter of bytes used over time, an estimate of bytesused over time, a host bandwidth monitor, a host traffic monitor thatcollects statistics on writes vs. reads, a bit error rate monitor, ahealth and wear monitor, a temperature sensor, and/or a voltage monitor.In some embodiments, the present subject matter uses scaling factors,thresholds, hysteresis and/or a performance mode setting. Variousembodiments maintain performance of the host device and memory subsystemwhile using low power states when applicable. The present systemincludes a save/restore mechanism to save a last setting of the ECCvoltages and frequencies when going to sleep mode, to anticipate lowerbandwidth needs using sleep mode.

The present subject matter lowers ECC power and frequency using avariety of methods, including: using a clock frequency control; using avoltage level control; using an ECC engine with ring buffers to handleclock domain frequencies; using ECC with glitch-less clocking that cansupport on-the-fly frequency and voltage changes; using ECC that canoperate with variable voltages and clock frequencies; using a perchannels ECC engine that runs at different voltages and frequencies fordifferent channels; and using ECC generation logic (for encoding) thatruns at a different voltage than ECC checking logic (for decoding).

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a storage systemincluding a memory array and a memory controller configured tocommunicate with a host processor of a host device. The memorycontroller is programmed to perform operations including monitoring atleast one parameter related to power level of the host processor, anddynamically adjusting at least one of a clock frequency and a voltagelevel of an error-correcting code (ECC) subsystem of the memorycontroller based on the at least one parameter to control power usage ofthe host device.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system (e.g., a host system) 100 includinga host device 105 and a storage system 110 configured to communicateover a communication interface (I/F) 115 (e.g., a bidirectional parallelor serial communication interface). The host device 105 can include ahost processor 106 (e.g., a host central processing unit (CPU) or otherprocessor or processing device) or other host circuitry (e.g., a memorymanagement unit (MMU), interface circuitry, assessment circuitry 107,etc.). In certain examples, the host device 105 can include a mainmemory 108 (e.g., DRAM, etc.) and optionally, a static memory 109, tosupport operation of the host processor 106.

The storage system 110 can include a universal flash storage (UFS)device, an embedded MMC (eMMCT™) device, or one or more other memorydevices. For example, if the storage system 110 includes a UFS device,the communication interface 115 can include a serial bidirectionalinterface, such as defined in one or more Joint Electron DeviceEngineering Council (JEDEC) standards (e.g., JEDEC standard D223D(JESD223D), commonly referred to as JEDEC UFS Host Controller Interface(UFSHCI) 3.0, etc.). In another example, if the storage system 110includes an eMMC device, the communication interface 115 can include anumber of parallel bidirectional data lines (e.g., DAT[7:0]) and one ormore command lines, such as defined in one or more JEDEC standards(e.g., JEDEC standard D84-B51 (JESD84-A51), commonly referred to asJEDEC eMMC standard 5.1, etc.). In other examples, the storage system110 can include one or more other memory devices, or the communicationinterface 115 can include one or more other interfaces, depending on thehost device 105 and the storage system 110.

The storage system 110 can include a memory controller 111 and anon-volatile memory 112. In an example, the non-volatile memory caninclude a number of memory devices (e.g., dies or LUNs), such as one ormore flash memory devices, etc., each including periphery circuitrythereon, and controlled by the memory controller 111.

Flash memory devices typically include one or more groups ofone-transistor, floating gate memory cells. Two common types of flashmemory array architectures include NAND and NOR architectures. Thefloating gate memory cells of the memory array are typically arranged ina matrix. The gates of each memory cell in a row of the array arecoupled to an access line (e.g., a word line). In NOR architecture, thedrains of each memory cell in a column of the array are coupled to adata line (e.g., a bit line). In NAND architecture, the drains of eachmemory cell in a column of the array are coupled together in series,source to drain, between a source line and a bit line.

Each memory cell in a NOR, NAND, 3D Cross Point (Xpoint), HolographicRAM (HRAM), MRAM, or one or more other architecture semiconductor memoryarray can be programmed individually or collectively to one or a numberof programmed states. A single-level cell (SLC) can represent one bit ofdata per cell in one of two programmed states (e.g., 1 or 0). Amulti-level cell (MLC) can represent two or more bits of data per cellin a number of programmed states (e.g., 2^(n), where n is the number ofbits of data). In certain examples, MLC can refer to a memory cell thatcan store two bits of data in one of 4 programmed states. A triple-levelcell (TLC) can represent three bits of data per cell in one of 8programmed states. A quad-level cell (QLC) can represent four bits ofdata per cell in one of 16 programmed states. MLC is used herein in itsbroader context, to refer to any memory cell that can store more thanone bit of data per cell (i.e., that can represent more than twoprogrammed states), including TLC and QLC, etc.

The storage system 110 can include a multimedia card (MMC) solid-statestorage device (e.g., micro secure digital (SD) cards, etc.). MMCdevices include a number of parallel interfaces (e.g., an 8-bit parallelinterface) with a host device 105, and are often removable and separatecomponents from the host device. In contrast, embedded MMC (eMMC)devices are attached to a circuit board and considered a component ofthe host device, with read speeds that rival serial ATA (SATA) based SSDdevices. As demand for mobile device performance continues to increase,such as to fully enable virtual or augmented-reality devices, utilizeincreasing networks speeds, etc., storage systems have shifted fromparallel to serial communication interfaces. UFS devices, includingcontrollers and firmware, communicate with a host device using alow-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) serial interface withdedicated read/write paths, further advancing read/write speeds betweena host device and a storage system.

In three-dimensional (3D) architecture semiconductor memory devicetechnology, vertical floating gate or charge trapping storage structurescan be stacked, increasing the number of tiers, physical pages, andaccordingly, the density of memory cells in a memory device.

Data is often stored arbitrarily on the storage system as small units.Even if accessed as a single unit, data can be received in small, random4-16k single file reads (e.g., 60%-80% of operations are smaller than16k). It is difficult for a user and even kernel applications toindicate that data should be stored as one sequential cohesive unit.File systems are typically designed to optimize space usage, and notsequential retrieval space.

The memory controller 111 can receive instructions from the host device105, and can communicate with the non-volatile memory 112, such as totransfer data to (e.g., write or erase) or from (e.g., read) one or moreof the memory cells of the non-volatile memory array 112. The memorycontroller 111 can include, among other things, circuitry or firmware,such as a number of components or integrated circuits. For example, thememory controller 111 can include one or more memory control units,circuits, or components configured to control access across the memoryarray and to provide a translation layer between the host device 105 andthe storage system 100.

The non-volatile memory array 112 (e.g., a 3D NAND architecturesemiconductor memory array) can include a number of memory cellsarranged in, for example, a number of devices, planes, blocks, orphysical pages. As one example, a TLC memory device can include 18,592bytes (B) of data per page, 1536 pages per block, 548 blocks per plane,and 4 planes per device. As another example, an MLC memory device caninclude 18,592 bytes (B) of data per page, 1024 pages per block, 548blocks per plane, and 4 planes per device, but with half the requiredwrite time and twice the program/erase (P/E) cycles as a correspondingTLC memory device. Other examples can include other numbers orarrangements.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example method 200 for dynamically adjusting errorcorrecting code (ECC) voltages and frequencies. The method 200 includesusing a memory controller to monitor at least one parameter related topower level of a host processor of a host device, at step 202. At step204, the memory controller dynamically adjusts at least one of a clockfrequency and a voltage level of an error-correcting code (ECC)subsystem of the memory controller based on the at least one parameterto control power usage of the host device. FIG. 3A illustrates anexample of power usage by a host device based on bandwidth used forprocessing. In various embodiments, host throughput can be measured asactivity or work pending in a queue. As memory ages, error frequencyincreases, requiring ECC logic to work harder over time. The presentsubject matter can be used to scale ECC strength to reflect thisincreased demand. Thus, parameters or metrics such as memory health,life time, bandwidth usage, and wear can be monitored and used fordynamically adjusting ECC power usage, in various embodiments. FIG. 3Billustrates an example of ECC usage by a host device based on bandwidthused for processing.

In various embodiments, the present system dynamically adjusts voltagefor ECC logic in the memory controller between 0.7 and 1.0 Volts. Othervoltages can be used without departing from the scope of the presentsubject matter. The present system adjusts frequency for ECC logic inthe memory controller between 100 MHz and 1000 MHz, in variousembodiments. Other frequencies can be used without departing from thescope of the present subject matter. By dynamically adjusting theseparameters, less power is used by using lower voltages and frequenciesbased on feedback from monitored metrics, such as host power level anddemand.

The present system can set and change monitored thresholds, voltages andfrequencies using hardware or software. For example, hardware blocks canset thresholds and/or directly regulate voltage and frequency, such asby providing separate clocks in various embodiments. In someembodiments, thresholds or code to perform any of the included examplescan be stored in a fuse, a metal mask, a bonding option, a substratewiring option, a bootstrap hardware (HW) select pin, or a ROM setting.The present subject matter refers to programmable operations andprogrammable thresholds, which can include hardware selected orconfigured operations and thresholds in various examples. In someexamples, programmable code, settings or thresholds refer to settingsthat are configured through blown fuses, ROM mask changes, wire bonds,substrate connections, configurations pins, or configuration signals.Additional program storage methods can be used without departing fromthe scope of the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example schematic diagram of a 3D NANDarchitecture semiconductor memory array 400 including a number ofstrings of memory cells (e.g., first-third A₀ memory strings405A₀-407A₀, first-third A_(n) memory strings 405A_(n)-407A_(n),first-third B₀ memory strings 405B₀-407B₀, first-third B_(n) memorystrings 405B_(n)-407B_(n), etc.), organized in blocks (e.g., block A401A, block B 401B, etc.) and sub-blocks (e.g., sub-block A₀ 401A₀,sub-block A_(n) 401A_(n), sub-block B₀ 401B₀, sub-block B_(n) 401B_(n),etc.). The memory array 400 represents a portion of a greater number ofsimilar structures that would typically be found in a block, device, orother unit of a memory device.

Each string of memory cells includes a number of tiers of charge storagetransistors (e.g., floating gate transistors, charge-trappingstructures, etc.) stacked in the Z direction, source to drain, between asource line (SRC) 435 or a source-side select gate (SGS) (e.g.,first-third A₀ SGS 431A₀-433A₀, first-third A_(n) SGS 431A_(n)-433A_(n),first-third B₀ SGS 431B₀-433B₀, first-third B_(n) SGS 431B_(n)-433B_(n),etc.) and a drain-side select gate (SGD) (e.g., first-third A₀ SGD426A₀-428A₀, first-third A_(n) SGD 426A_(n)-428A_(n), first-third B₀ SGD426B₀-428B₀, first-third B_(n) SGD 426B_(n)-428B_(n), etc.). Each stringof memory cells in the 3D memory array can be arranged along the Xdirection as data lines (e.g., bit lines (BL) BL0-BL6 420-422), andalong the Y direction as physical pages.

Within a physical page, each tier represents a row of memory cells, andeach string of memory cells represents a column. A sub-block can includeone or more physical pages. A block can include a number of sub-blocks(or physical pages) (e.g., 128, 256, 384, etc.). Although illustratedherein as having two blocks, each block having two sub-blocks, eachsub-block having a single physical page, each physical page having threestrings of memory cells, and each string having 8 tiers of memory cells,in other examples, the memory array 400 can include more or fewerblocks, sub-blocks, physical pages, strings of memory cells, memorycells, or tiers. For example, each string of memory cells can includemore or fewer tiers (e.g., 16, 32, 64, 128, etc.), as well as one ormore additional tiers of semiconductor material above or below thecharge storage transistors (e.g., select gates, data lines, etc.), asdesired. As an example, a 48 GB TLC NAND memory device can include18,592 bytes (B) of data per page (16,384+2208 bytes), 1536 pages perblock, 548 blocks per plane, and 4 or more planes per device.

Each memory cell in the memory array 400 includes a control gate (CG)coupled to (e.g., electrically or otherwise operatively connected to) anaccess line (e.g., word lines (WL) WL0 ₀-WL7 ₀ 410A-417A, WL0 ₁-WL7 ₁410B-417B, etc.), which collectively couples the control gates (CGs)across a specific tier, or a portion of a tier, as desired. Specifictiers in the 3D memory array, and accordingly, specific memory cells ina string, can be accessed or controlled using respective access lines.Groups of select gates can be accessed using various select lines. Forexample, first-third A₀ SGD 426A₀-428A₀ can be accessed using an A₀ SGDline SGDA₀ 425A₀, first-third A_(n) SGD 426A_(n)-428A_(n) can beaccessed using an SGD line SGDA_(n) 425A_(n), first-third B₀ SGD426B₀-428B₀ can be accessed using an B₀ SGD line SGDB₀ 425B₀, andfirst-third B_(n) SGD 426B_(n)-428B_(n) can be accessed using an B_(n)SGD line SGDB_(n) 425B_(n). First-third A₀ SGS 431A₀-433A₀ andfirst-third A_(n) SGS 431A_(n)-433A_(n) can be accessed using a gateselect line SGS₀ 430A, and first-third B₀ SGS 431B₀-433B₀ andfirst-third B_(n) SGS 431B_(n)-433B_(n) can be accessed using a gateselect line SGS₁ 430B.

In an example, the memory array 400 can include a number of levels ofsemiconductor material (e.g., polysilicon, etc.) configured to couplethe control gates (CGs) of each memory cell or select gate (or a portionof the CGs or select gates) of a respective tier of the array. Specificstrings of memory cells in the array can be accessed, selected, orcontrolled using a combination of bit lines (BLs) and select gates,etc., and specific memory cells at one or more tiers in the specificstrings can be accessed, selected, or controlled using one or moreaccess lines (e.g., word lines).

In a NAND architecture semiconductor memory array, the state of aselected memory cell can be accessed by sensing a current or voltagevariation associated with a particular data line containing the selectedmemory cell. The memory array 400 can be accessed (e.g., by a controlcircuit, one or more processors, digital logic, etc.) using one or moredrivers. In an example, one or more drivers can activate a specificmemory cell, or set of memory cells, by driving a particular potentialto one or more data lines (e.g., bit lines BL0-BL2), access lines (e.g.,word lines WL0-WL7), or select gates, depending on the type of operationdesired to be performed on the specific memory cell or set of memorycells.

To program or write data to a memory cell, a programming voltage (Vpgm)(e.g., one or more programming pulses, etc.) can be applied to selectedword lines (e.g., WL4 ₀), and thus, to a control gate of each memorycell coupled to the selected word lines. Programming pulses can begin,for example, at or near 15V, and, in certain examples, can increase inmagnitude during each programming pulse application. While the programvoltage is applied to the selected word lines, a potential, such as aground potential (e.g., Vss), can be applied to the data lines (e.g.,bit lines) and substrates (and thus the channels, between the sourcesand drains) of the memory cells targeted for programming, resulting in acharge transfer (e.g., direct injection or Fowler-Nordheim (FN)tunneling, etc.) from the channels to the floating gates of the targetedmemory cells.

In contrast, a pass voltage (Vpass) can be applied to one or more wordlines having memory cells that are not targeted for programming, or aninhibit voltage (e.g., Vcc) can be applied to data lines (e.g., bitlines) having memory cells that are not targeted for programming, forexample, to inhibit charge from being transferred from the channels tothe floating gates of such non-targeted memory cells. The pass voltagecan be variable, depending, for example, on the proximity of the appliedpass voltages to a word line targeted for programming. The inhibitvoltage can include a supply voltage (Vcc), such as a voltage from anexternal source or supply (e.g., a battery, an AC-to-DC converter,etc.), relative to a ground potential (e.g., Vss).

As an example, if a programming voltage (e.g., 15V or more) is appliedto a specific word line, such as WL4 ₀, a pass voltage of 10V can beapplied to one or more other word lines, such as WL3 ₀, WL5 ₀, etc., toinhibit programming of non-targeted memory cells, or to retain thevalues stored on such memory cells not targeted for programming. As thedistance between an applied program voltage and the non-targeted memorycells increases, the pass voltage required to refrain from programmingthe non-targeted memory cells can decrease. For example, where aprogramming voltage of 15V is applied to WL4 ₀, a pass voltage of 10Vcan be applied to WL3 ₀ and WL5 ₀, a pass voltage of 8V can be appliedto WL2 ₀ and WL6 ₀, a pass voltage of 7V can be applied to WL1 ₀ and WL7₀, etc. In other examples, the pass voltages, or number of word lines,etc., can be higher or lower, or more or less.

Sense amplifiers can be coupled to one or more of the data lines (e.g.,first, second, or third bit lines (BL0-BL2) 420-422), can detect thestate of each memory cell in respective data lines by sensing a voltageor current on a particular data line.

Between applications of one or more programming pulses (e.g., Vpgm), averify operation can be performed to determine if a selected memory cellhas reached its intended programmed state. If the selected memory cellhas reached its intended programmed state, it can be inhibited fromfurther programming. If the selected memory cell has not reached itsintended programmed state, additional programming pulses can be applied.If the selected memory cell has not reached its intended programmedstate after a particular number of programming pulses (e.g., a maximumnumber), the selected memory cell, or a string, block, or pageassociated with such selected memory cell, can be marked as defective.

To erase a memory cell or a group of memory cells (e.g., erasure istypically performed in blocks or sub-blocks), an erasure voltage (Vers)(e.g., typically Vpgm) can be applied to the substrates (and thus thechannels, between the sources and drains) of the memory cells targetedfor erasure (e.g., using one or more bit lines, select gates, etc.),while the word lines of the targeted memory cells are kept at apotential, such as a ground potential (e.g., Vss), resulting in a chargetransfer (e.g., direct injection or Fowler-Nordheim (FN) tunneling,etc.) from the floating gates of the targeted memory cells to thechannels.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example block diagram of a memory device 500including a memory array 502 having a plurality of memory cells 504, andone or more circuits or components to provide communication with, orperform one or more memory operations on, the memory array 502. Althoughshown with a single memory array 502, in other examples, one or moreadditional memory arrays, dies, or LUNs can be included herein. Incertain examples, in a storage system having a number of dies or LUNs,the memory device 500 can represent a block diagram of circuits andcomponents for each die or LUN. The memory device 500 can include a rowdecoder 512, a column decoder 514, sense amplifiers 520, a page buffer522, a selector 524, an input/output (I/O) circuit 526, and a memorycontrol unit 530.

The memory cells 504 of the memory array 502 can be arranged in blocks,such as first and second blocks 502A, 502B. Each block can includesub-blocks. For example, the first block 502A can include first andsecond sub-blocks 502A₀, 502A_(n), and the second block 502B can includefirst and second sub-blocks 502B₀, 502B_(n). Each sub-block can includea number of physical pages, each page including a number of memory cells504. Although illustrated herein as having two blocks, each block havingtwo sub-blocks, and each sub-block having a number of memory cells 504,in other examples, the memory array 502 can include more or fewerblocks, sub-blocks, memory cells, etc. In other examples, the memorycells 504 can be arranged in a number of rows, columns, pages,sub-blocks, blocks, etc., and accessed using, for example, access lines506, first data lines 510, or one or more select gates, source lines,etc.

The memory control unit 530 can control memory operations of the memorydevice 500 according to one or more signals or instructions received oncontrol lines 532, including, for example, one or more clock signals orcontrol signals that indicate a desired operation (e.g., write, read,erase, etc.), or address signals (AO-AX) received on one or more addresslines 516. One or more devices external to the memory device 500 cancontrol the values of the control signals on the control lines 532, orthe address signals on the address line 516. Examples of devicesexternal to the memory device 500 can include, but are not limited to, ahost, a memory controller, a processor, or one or more circuits orcomponents not illustrated in FIG. 5.

The memory device 500 can use access lines 506 and first data lines 510to transfer data to (e.g., write or erase) or from (e.g., read) one ormore of the memory cells 504. The row decoder 512 and the column decoder514 can receive and decode the address signals (AO-AX) from the addressline 516, can determine which of the memory cells 504 are to beaccessed, and can provide signals to one or more of the access lines 506(e.g., one or more of a plurality of word lines (WL0-WLm)) or the firstdata lines 510 (e.g., one or more of a plurality of bit lines(BL0-BLn)), such as described above.

The memory device 500 can include sense circuitry, such as the senseamplifiers 520, configured to determine the values of data on (e.g.,read), or to determine the values of data to be written to, the memorycells 504 using the first data lines 510. For example, in a selectedstring of memory cells 504, one or more of the sense amplifiers 520 canread a logic level in the selected memory cell 504 in response to a readcurrent flowing in the memory array 502 through the selected string tothe data lines 510.

One or more devices external to the memory device 500 can communicatewith the memory device 500 using the I/O lines (DQ0-DQN) 508, addresslines 516 (AO-AX), or control lines 532. The input/output (I/O) circuit526 can transfer values of data in or out of the memory device 500, suchas in or out of the page buffer 522 or the memory array 502, using theI/O lines 508, according to, for example, the control lines 532 andaddress lines 516. The page buffer 522 can store data received from theone or more devices external to the memory device 500 before the data isprogrammed into relevant portions of the memory array 502, or can storedata read from the memory array 502 before the data is transmitted tothe one or more devices external to the memory device 500.

The column decoder 514 can receive and decode address signals (AO-AX)into one or more column select signals (CSEL1-CSELn). The selector 524(e.g., a select circuit) can receive the column select signals(CSEL1-CSELn) and select data in the page buffer 522 representing valuesof data to be read from or to be programmed into memory cells 504.Selected data can be transferred between the page buffer 522 and the I/Ocircuit 526 using second data lines 518.

The memory control unit 530 can receive positive and negative supplysignals, such as a supply voltage (Vcc) 534 and a negative supply (Vss)536 (e.g., a ground potential), from an external source or supply (e.g.,an internal or external battery, an AC-to-DC converter, etc.). Incertain examples, the memory control unit 530 can include a regulator528 to internally provide positive or negative supply signals.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an example machine (e.g., a hostsystem) 600 upon which any one or more of the techniques (e.g.,methodologies) discussed herein may perform. In alternative embodiments,the machine 600 may operate as a standalone device or may be connected(e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, themachine 600 may operate in the capacity of a server machine, a clientmachine, or both in server-client network environments. In an example,the machine 600 may act as a peer machine in peer-to-peer (P2P) (orother distributed) network environment. The machine 600 may be apersonal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personaldigital assistant (PDA), a mobile telephone, a web appliance, an IoTdevice, automotive system, or any machine capable of executinginstructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be takenby that machine. Further, while only a single machine is illustrated,the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection ofmachines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets)of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologiesdiscussed herein, such as cloud computing, software as a service (SaaS),other computer cluster configurations.

Examples, as described herein, may include, or may operate by, logic,components, devices, packages, or mechanisms. Circuitry is a collection(e.g., set) of circuits implemented in tangible entities that includehardware (e.g., simple circuits, gates, logic, etc.). Circuitrymembership may be flexible over time and underlying hardwarevariability. Circuitries include members that may, alone or incombination, perform specific tasks when operating. In an example,hardware of the circuitry may be immutably designed to carry out aspecific operation (e.g., hardwired). In an example, the hardware of thecircuitry may include variably connected physical components (e.g.,execution units, transistors, simple circuits, etc.) including acomputer-readable medium physically modified (e.g., magnetically,electrically, moveable placement of invariant massed particles, etc.) toencode instructions of the specific operation. In connecting thephysical components, the underlying electrical properties of a hardwareconstituent are changed, for example, from an insulator to a conductoror vice versa. The instructions enable participating hardware (e.g., theexecution units or a loading mechanism) to create members of thecircuitry in hardware via the variable connections to carry out portionsof the specific tasks when in operation. Accordingly, thecomputer-readable medium is communicatively coupled to the othercomponents of the circuitry when the device is operating. In an example,any of the physical components may be used in more than one member ofmore than one circuitry. For example, under operation, execution unitsmay be used in a first circuit of a first circuitry at one point in timeand reused by a second circuit in the first circuitry, or by a thirdcircuit in a second circuitry at a different time.

The machine (e.g., computer system, a host system, etc.) 600 may includea processing device 602 (e.g., a hardware processor, a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a hardwareprocessor core, or any combination thereof, etc.), a main memory 604(e.g., read-only memory (ROM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) suchas synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or Rambus DRAM (RDRAM), etc.), a staticmemory 606 (e.g., static random-access memory (SRAM), etc.), and astorage system 618, some or all of which may communicate with each othervia a communication interface (e.g., a bus) 630.

The processing device 602 can represent one or more general-purposeprocessing devices such as a microprocessor, a central processing unit,or the like. More particularly, the processing device can be a complexinstruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, reduced instruction setcomputing (RISC) microprocessor, very long instruction word (VLIW)microprocessor, or a processor implementing other instruction sets, orprocessors implementing a combination of instruction sets. Theprocessing device 602 can also be one or more special-purpose processingdevices such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), afield programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP),network processor, or the like. The processing device 602 can beconfigured to execute instructions 626 for performing the operations andsteps discussed herein. The computer system 600 can further include anetwork interface device 608 to communicate over a network 620.

The storage system 618 can include a machine-readable storage medium(also known as a computer-readable medium) on which is stored one ormore sets of instructions 626 or software embodying any one or more ofthe methodologies or functions described herein. The instructions 626can also reside, completely or at least partially, within the mainmemory 604 or within the processing device 602 during execution thereofby the computer system 600, the main memory 604 and the processingdevice 602 also constituting machine-readable storage media.

The term “machine-readable storage medium” should be taken to include asingle medium or multiple media that store the one or more sets ofinstructions, or any medium that is capable of storing or encoding a setof instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machineto perform any one or more of the methodologies of the presentdisclosure. The term “machine-readable storage medium” shall accordinglybe taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories,optical media, and magnetic media. In an example, a massedmachine-readable medium comprises a machine-readable medium with aplurality of particles having invariant (e.g., rest) mass. Accordingly,massed machine-readable media are not transitory propagating signals.Specific examples of massed machine-readable media may include:non-volatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g.,Electrically Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), ElectricallyErasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM)) and flash memorydevices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removabledisks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.

The machine 600 may further include a display unit, an alphanumericinput device (e.g., a keyboard), and a user interface (UI) navigationdevice (e.g., a mouse). In an example, one or more of the display unit,the input device, or the UI navigation device may be a touch screendisplay. The machine a signal generation device (e.g., a speaker), orone or more sensors, such as a global positioning system (GPS) sensor,compass, accelerometer, or one or more other sensor. The machine 600 mayinclude an output controller, such as a serial (e.g., universal serialbus (USB), parallel, or other wired or wireless (e.g., infrared (IR),near field communication (NFC), etc.) connection to communicate orcontrol one or more peripheral devices (e.g., a printer, card reader,etc.).

The instructions 626 (e.g., software, programs, an operating system(OS), etc.) or other data are stored on the storage system 618 can beaccessed by the main memory 604 for use by the processing device 602.The main memory 604 (e.g., DRAM) is typically fast, but volatile, andthus a different type of storage than the storage system 618 (e.g., anSSD), which is suitable for long-term storage, including while in an“off” condition. The instructions 626 or data in use by a user or themachine 600 are typically loaded in the main memory 604 for use by theprocessing device 602. When the main memory 604 is full, virtual spacefrom the storage system 618 can be allocated to supplement the mainmemory 604; however, because the storage system 618 device is typicallyslower than the main memory 604, and write speeds are typically at leasttwice as slow as read speeds, use of virtual memory can greatly reduceuser experience due to storage system latency (in contrast to the mainmemory 604, e.g., DRAM). Further, use of the storage system 618 forvirtual memory can greatly reduce the usable lifespan of the storagesystem 618.

The instructions 624 may further be transmitted or received over anetwork 620 using a transmission medium via the network interface device608 utilizing any one of a number of transfer protocols (e.g., framerelay, internet protocol (IP), transmission control protocol (TCP), userdatagram protocol (UDP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), etc.).Example communication networks may include a local area network (LAN), awide area network (WAN), a packet data network (e.g., the Internet),mobile telephone networks (e.g., cellular networks), Plain Old Telephone(POTS) networks, and wireless data networks (e.g., Institute ofElectrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family of standardsknown as Wi-Fi®, IEEE 802.16 family of standards known as WiMax®), IEEE802.15.4 family of standards, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, among others.In an example, the network interface device 608 may include one or morephysical jacks (e.g., Ethernet, coaxial, or phone jacks) or one or moreantennas to connect to the network 620. In an example, the networkinterface device 608 may include a plurality of antennas to wirelesslycommunicate using at least one of single-input multiple-output (SIMO),multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), or multiple-input single-output(MISO) techniques. The term “transmission medium” shall be taken toinclude any intangible medium that is capable of storing, encoding, orcarrying instructions for execution by the machine 600, and includesdigital or analog communications signals or other intangible medium tofacilitate communication of such software.

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawingsshow, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which theinvention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred toherein as “examples”. Such examples can include elements in addition tothose shown or described. However, the present inventor alsocontemplates examples in which only those elements shown or describedare provided. Moreover, the present inventor also contemplates examplesusing any combination or permutation of those elements shown ordescribed (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to aparticular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect toother examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or describedherein.

All publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in thisdocument are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, asthough individually incorporated by reference. In the event ofinconsistent usages between this document and those documents soincorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s)should be considered supplementary to that of this document; forirreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patentdocuments, to include one or more than one, independent of any otherinstances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In thisdocument, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that“A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unlessotherwise indicated. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and“in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respectiveterms “comprising” and “wherein”. Also, in the following claims, theterms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system,device, article, or process that includes elements in addition to thoselisted after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within thescope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms“first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and arenot intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

In various examples, the components, controllers, processors, units,engines, or tables described herein can include, among other things,physical circuitry or firmware stored on a physical device. As usedherein, “processor” means any type of computational circuit such as, butnot limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a graphicsprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), or any other type ofprocessor or processing circuit, including a group of processors ormulti-core devices.

The term “horizontal” as used in this document is defined as a planeparallel to the conventional plane or surface of a substrate, such asthat underlying a wafer or die, regardless of the actual orientation ofthe substrate at any point in time. The term “vertical” refers to adirection perpendicular to the horizontal as defined above.Prepositions, such as “on,” “over,” and “under” are defined with respectto the conventional plane or surface being on the top or exposed surfaceof the substrate, regardless of the orientation of the substrate; andwhile “on” is intended to suggest a direct contact of one structurerelative to another structure which it lies “on” (in the absence of anexpress indication to the contrary); the terms “over” and “under” areexpressly intended to identify a relative placement of structures (orlayers, features, etc.), which expressly includes—but is not limitedto—direct contact between the identified structures unless specificallyidentified as such. Similarly, the terms “over” and “under” are notlimited to horizontal orientations, as a structure may be “over” areferenced structure if it is, at some point in time, an outermostportion of the construction under discussion, even if such structureextends vertically relative to the referenced structure, rather than ina horizontal orientation.

The terms “wafer” and “substrate” are used herein to refer generally toany structure on which integrated circuits are formed, and also to suchstructures during various stages of integrated circuit fabrication. Thefollowing detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in alimiting sense, and the scope of the various embodiments is defined onlyby the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents towhich such claims are entitled.

Various embodiments according to the present disclosure and describedherein include memory utilizing a vertical structure of memory cells(e.g., NAND strings of memory cells). As used herein, directionaladjectives will be taken relative a surface of a substrate upon whichthe memory cells are formed (i.e., a vertical structure will be taken asextending away from the substrate surface, a bottom end of the verticalstructure will be taken as the end nearest the substrate surface and atop end of the vertical structure will be taken as the end farthest fromthe substrate surface).

As used herein, directional adjectives, such as horizontal, vertical,normal, parallel, perpendicular, etc., can refer to relativeorientations, and are not intended to require strict adherence tospecific geometric properties, unless otherwise noted. For example, asused herein, a vertical structure need not be strictly perpendicular toa surface of a substrate, but may instead be generally perpendicular tothe surface of the substrate, and may form an acute angle with thesurface of the substrate (e.g., between 60 and 120 degrees, etc.).

In some embodiments described herein, different doping configurationsmay be applied to a select gate source (SGS), a control gate (CG), and aselect gate drain (SGD), each of which, in this example, may be formedof or at least include polysilicon, with the result such that thesetiers (e.g., polysilicon, etc.) may have different etch rates whenexposed to an etching solution. For example, in a process of forming amonolithic pillar in a 3D semiconductor device, the SGS and the CG mayform recesses, while the SGD may remain less recessed or even notrecessed. These doping configurations may thus enable selective etchinginto the distinct tiers (e.g., SGS, CG, and SGD) in the 3D semiconductordevice by using an etching solution (e.g., tetramethylammonium hydroxide(TMCH)).

Operating a memory cell, as used herein, includes reading from, writingto, or erasing the memory cell. The operation of placing a memory cellin an intended state is referred to herein as “programming,” and caninclude both writing to or erasing from the memory cell (i.e., thememory cell may be programmed to an erased state).

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on,”“connected to” or “coupled with” another element, it can be directly on,connected, or coupled with the other element or intervening elements maybe present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being“directly on,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled with”another element, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Iftwo elements are shown in the drawings with a line connecting them, thetwo elements can be either be coupled, or directly coupled, unlessotherwise indicated.

Method examples described herein can be machine or computer-implementedat least in part. Some examples can include a computer-readable mediumor machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable toconfigure an electronic device to perform methods as described in theabove examples. An implementation of such methods can include code, suchas microcode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code, orthe like. Such code can include computer readable instructions forperforming various methods. The code may form portions of computerprogram products. Further, the code can be tangibly stored on one ormore volatile or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media, such asduring execution or at other times. Examples of these tangiblecomputer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, hard disks,removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disksand digital video disks), magnetic cassettes, memory cards or sticks,random access memories (RAMS), read only memories (ROMs), and the like.

Example 1 is a storage system comprising: a memory array; and a memorycontroller configured to communicate with a host processor of a hostdevice, wherein the memory controller is programmed to performoperations including: monitoring at least one parameter related to powerlevel of the host processor; and dynamically adjusting at least one of aclock frequency and a voltage level of an error-correcting code (ECC)subsystem of the memory controller based on the at least one parameterto control power usage of the host device.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 is optionally configuredsuch that the at least one parameter includes battery level of the hostprocessor.

In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 1 is optionally configuredsuch that the at least one parameter includes bandwidth of the hostprocessor.

In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 1 is optionally configuredsuch that the at least one parameter includes a processing speed demandof the host processor.

In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 1 is optionally configuredsuch that the at least one parameter includes a bit error rate of thestorage system.

In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 1 is optionally configuredsuch that the at least one parameter includes an amount of wear of thememory array.

In Example 7, the subject matter of Example 1 is optionally configuredsuch that the at least one parameter includes an environmentalcondition.

In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 7 is optionally configuredsuch that the environmental condition includes an environmentaltemperature.

In Example 9, the subject matter of any of Examples 1-8 is optionallyconfigured such that the memory controller is further programmed toperform operations comprising: saving a last setting of at least one ofa clock frequency and a voltage level of an error-correcting code (ECC)subsystem of the memory controller; and restoring the last setting whenentering or exiting sleep mode for the storage system.

Example 10 is a method comprising: monitoring, by a memory controller,at least one parameter related to power level of a host processor of ahost device configured to communicate with the memory controller; anddynamically adjusting, by the memory controller, at least one of a clockfrequency and a voltage level of an error-correcting code (ECC)subsystem of the memory controller based on the at least one parameterto control power usage of the host device.

In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 is optionally configuredsuch that dynamically adjusting the clock frequency of the ECC subsystemincludes using ring buffers to adjust for clock domain differences forthe ECC subsystem.

In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 10 is optionally configuredsuch that dynamically adjusting the clock frequency of the ECC subsystemincludes using glitch-less clocking to support dynamic frequency changesfor the ECC subsystem.

In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 10 is optionally configuredsuch that dynamically adjusting the voltage of the ECC subsystemincludes using glitch-less clocking to support dynamic voltage changesfor the ECC subsystem.

In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 10 is optionally configuredsuch that the ECC subsystem includes a per channel voltage system thatsupports different voltages for operation of the ECC subsystem ondifferent channels.

In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 10 is optionally configuredsuch that the ECC subsystem includes a per channel frequency system thatsupports different frequencies for operation of the ECC subsystem ondifferent channels.

In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 10 is optionally configuredsuch that the ECC subsystem includes a ECC generation logic and a ECCchecking logic, and wherein the ECC generation logic is configured tooperate at a different voltage level than the ECC checking logic.

In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 10 is optionally configuredsuch that the ECC subsystem includes a ECC generation logic and a ECCchecking logic, and wherein the ECC generation logic is configured tooperate at a different frequency level than the ECC checking logic.

Example 18 is a device readable storage medium that providesinstructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor toperform operations comprising: monitoring at least one parameter relatedto power level of a host processor of a host device configured tocommunicate with the processor; and dynamically adjusting at least oneof a clock frequency and a voltage level of an error-correcting code(ECC) subsystem based on the at least one parameter to control powerusage of the host device.

In Example 19, the subject matter of Example 18 is optionally configuredsuch that the processor is further programmed to perform operationscomprising: saving a last setting of at least one of a clock frequencyand a voltage level of an error-correcting code (ECC) subsystem of thememory controller.

In Example 20, the subject matter of Example 19 is optionally configuredsuch that the processor is further programmed to perform operationscomprising: restoring the last setting when entering or exiting sleepmode for the storage system.

Example 21 is at least one machine-readable medium includinginstructions that, when executed by processing circuitry, cause theprocessing circuitry to perform operations to implement of any ofExamples 1-20.

Example 22 is an apparatus comprising means to implement of any ofExamples 1-20.

Example 23 is a system to implement of any of Examples 1-20.

Example 24 is a method to implement of any of Examples 1-20.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or moreaspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Otherembodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to complywith 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain thenature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with theunderstanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scopeor meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description,various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure.This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosedfeature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter maylie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment.Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separateembodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combinedwith each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope ofthe invention should be determined with reference to the appendedclaims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claimsare entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. A storage system comprising: a memory array; anda memory controller configured to communicate with a host processor of ahost device, wherein the memory controller is programmed to performoperations including: monitoring at least one parameter related to powerlevel of the host processor; and dynamically adjusting a voltage levelof an error-correcting code (ECC) subsystem of the memory controllerbased on the at least one parameter to control power usage of the host,device.
 2. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the at least oneparameter includes battery level of the host processor.
 3. The storagesystem of claim 1, wherein the at least one parameter includes bandwidthof the host processor.
 4. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the atleast one parameter includes a processing speed demand of the hostprocessor.
 5. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the at least oneparameter includes a bit error rate of the storage system.
 6. Thestorage system of claim 1, wherein the at least one parameter includesan amount of wear of the memory array.
 7. The storage system of claim 1,wherein the at least one parameter includes an environmental condition.8. The storage system of claim 7, wherein the environmental conditionincludes an environmental temperature.
 9. The storage system of claim 1,wherein the memory controller is further programmed to performoperations comprising: saving a last setting of at least one of a clockfrequency and the voltage level of the error-correcting code (ECC)subsystem of the memory controller; and restoring the last setting whenentering or exiting sleep mode for the storage system.
 10. A methodcomprising: monitoring, by a memory controller, at least one parameterrelated to power level of a host processor of a host device configuredto communicate with the memory controller; and dynamically adjusting, bythe memory controller, a voltage level of an error-correcting code (ECC)subsystem of the memory controller based on the at least one parameterto control power usage of the host device.
 11. The method of claim 10,further comprising dynamically adjusting a clock frequency of the ECCsubsystem including using ring buffers to adjust for clock domaindifferences for the ECC subsystem.
 12. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising dynamically adjusting a clock frequency of the ECC subsystemincluding using glitch-less clocking to support dynamic frequencychanges for the ECC subsystem.
 13. The method of claim 10, whereindynamically adjusting the voltage level of the ECC subsystem includesusing glitch-less clocking to support dynamic voltage changes for theECC subsystem.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the ECC subsystemincludes a per channel voltage system that supports different voltagesfor operation of the ECC subsystem on different channels.
 15. The methodof claim 10, wherein the ECC subsystem includes a per channel frequencysystem that supports different frequencies for operation of the ECCsubsystem on different channels.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein theECC subsystem includes a ECC generation logic and a ECC checking logic,and wherein the ECC generation logic is configured to operate at adifferent, voltage level than the ECC checking logic.
 17. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the ECC subsystem includes a ECC generation logic anda ECC checking logic, and wherein the ECC generation logic is configuredto operate at a different frequency level than the ECC checking logic.18. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprisinginstructions thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause theprocessor to perform operations comprising: monitoring at least oneparameter related to power level of a host processor of a host deviceconfigured to communicate with the processor; and dynamically adjustinga voltage level of an error-correcting code (ECC) subsystem based on theat least one parameter to control power usage of the host device. 19.The computer readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein the processoris further programmed to perform operations comprising: saving a lastsetting of at least one of a clock frequency and the voltage level f theerror-correcting code (ECC) subsystem.
 20. The computer readable storagemedium of claim 19, wherein the processor is further programmed toperform operations comprising: restoring the last setting when enteringor exiting sleep mode.